with host artist Miriam Schulman
Ever worry that being inspired by other artists means your work is somehow less original? I’ve been thinking about this a lot after watching Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, because the film is packed with influences from Goya, ancient mythology, cinema, music, and art history, yet it still feels unmistakably his own. I’m breaking down what artists can learn from Nolan about developing a signature style, borrowing without copying, and turning inspiration into something deeply personal. Because originality isn’t about creating without influences. It’s about choosing the right ingredients, transforming them through your own point of view, and making something only you could make.
“Original artists don’t necessarily invent raw ingredients. It’s like a new recipe. They create relationships between ingredients that already existed, but in a new way that didn’t exist before.” – Miriam Schulman
In this podcast, you will…
- Discover how artistic influences can strengthen your signature style instead of making your work feel derivative.
- Explore how Christopher Nolan combines art history, mythology, music, and filmmaking techniques to create an original artistic world.
- Create a more original body of work by combining influences with your own history, values, obsessions, and point of view.
“Remember, your job is not to make art without ancestors. Your job is to choose your ancestors and then make something none of them could have made because none of them lived your life, carried your obsessions, or saw the world through your eyes.” – Miriam Schulman
Links Mentioned
📖 Artpreneur, by Miriam Schulman: The go-to handbook for artists aspiring to turn their passion into a sustainable and profitable career. This book offers inspiring stories and practical advice that empower artists to embrace a confident mindset and follow a clear path to creative and financial freedom.
✨ Signal Excavation™, by Miriam Schulman: A personalized 1:1 messaging intensive that helps artists uncover the deeper meaning behind their work and put it into words. Walk away with authentic messaging that reflects your voice, clarifies what makes your art stand out, and connects with the collectors who are meant to find you.
Books!
About the host, Miriam Schulman
Miriam Schulman is an artist business coach, working artist, and author of Artpreneur: The Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Sustainable Living from Your Creativity, published by HarperCollins Leadership. After building her own multiple-six-figure art business, Miriam created The Inspiration Place, a podcast ranked among the top 0.5% of podcasts worldwide by Listen Notes. Through her coaching programs, podcast, and book, she has helped thousands of visual artists strengthen their marketing, attract collectors, and build sustainable art businesses.
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Other Episodes You Might Like
- 403: What Art Collectors Are Buying Right Now (and Why)
- 416: How to Build a Collection with a Signature Voice Without Repeating Yourself
- 424: The Girl Scout Cookie Method For Selling Art
Listener shout out of the week!
I learn new things every time I’m on a zoom call with you or Shaun. I’m motivated and inspired by others in the group who are having great success in so many ways – open studios, art fairs, commissions. I love being a pod with other artists who are making money making art. I appreciate all the resources available here.
~ Deborah Fryer
I just OPENED the doors to the Artist Incubator program!
This program is PERFECT for artists 👩🎨👨🎨 who are ready to kick things up a notch when it comes to making a sustainable income from their art.
If that’s you, get ALL the details here!
👉 schulmanart.com/enroll
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